Oppn parties seek JPC probe into Walmart issue

The demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into disclosures by retail giant Walmart on lobbying in India was made by several members in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Samajwadi Party, which had bailed out the government during the vote on a motion against foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, also pressed for a judicial probe into the issue.

Rashtriya Janata Dal, which also supported the government on FDI issue, demanded a JPC probe into Wal-Mart's disclosure.

Terming as shameful the company's disclosure before the US Senate that it had spent Rs 125 crore for lobbying in India, members said only an independent probe can find out who actually took the money from the retail giant.

While several members demanded setting up a JPC, some others favoured a judicial probe which is time-bound.

Yashwant Sinha (BJP), who demanded a time-bound judicial probe, said the government should announce today itself whether it wanted to set up a JPC or order a judicial probe.

Demanding an early response from the government, members from BJP, Trinamool Congress, Left parties, AIADMK and JD-U trooped into the Well forcing adjournment of the House for 30 minutes and later for the day.

SP members did not join the protest in the well but were on their feet demanding a probe. BSP members were not seen in the House.

"Lobbying is not illegal in the US, but it is called 'commission' here. It is illegal. It is bribery," Basudeb Acharia (CPI-M) said.